SAP Fiori app development: 21% influx in procurement accuracy

Innowise has built custom web applications to govern and monitor materials & enterprise asset management using the tile-based SAPUI5 and SAP Fiori.

Customer

Industry

Automotive, Manufacturing

Region

Client since

2023

Our customer is a multinational corporation that specializes in manufacturing a diverse range of passenger and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, engines, and turbomachinery.

Detailed information about the client cannot be disclosed under the provisions of the NDA.

Challenge

Need for a plethora of SAP Fiori apps to handle material management

Our client, an extensive network of European automotive enterprises, leverages SAP S/4HANA ERP for manufacturing operations, from procurement to distribution. Even though their existing SAP-based environment had established workflows and predictable value chains, it could not accommodate the rapidly evolving requirements of a dynamic business environment. They lacked all-around applications that could enhance the SAP S/4HANA default modules and provide more agile materials management.

Besides, the customer had an apparent expertise gap, particularly during peak workload periods, making it challenging to develop and implement custom solutions quickly. This lack of agility in IT support led to delayed project timelines and, consequently, missed opportunities in rapidly shifting markets. The client utilized the SAP Standard Fiori application package but needed additional full-stack development expertise to build custom web applications within SAP S/4 HANA modules from the ground up.

Due to these challenges, the client sought to expand their internal IT department with specialists capable of supporting the SAP team during peak periods and developing custom applications. These professionals were expected to have comprehensive full-stack development skills, enabling them to work on both the front-end and back-end parts of the applications.

Solution

SAP Fiori custom app development for an auto manufacturer

Innowise’s project team developed a system of interconnected SAP Fiori applications to enhance materials & asset management.

They already had The SAP Fiori launchpad, which functioned as an application container to host a variety of SAP Fiori apps. It served as the central access point for SAP-based applications and associated analytical insights. In addition, the launchpad included various supplementary services encompassing navigation, personalization, support, bookmarking, app configuration, notifications, usage analytics, and others. In essence, it displayed a variety of app tiles and links, along with analytical counters and key performance indicators (KPIs) represented through graphs and charts.

Procurement management

Our specialists built the web application to streamline purchasing operations. It presented all critical information on a tile-based display to easily access details like expiring contracts, overdue orders, and urgent purchase requisitions. We empowered the solution with informative dashboards, providing critical real-time procurement information. They reflected every distinct procurement aspect, allowing users to quickly grasp their status through visual cues. Beyond presenting data, the app offered actionable insights, suggesting immediate steps that can be taken to address specific issues. For instance, if an order was overdue, the web platform suggested contacting the supplier or reevaluating the order priority.

Supplier evalution

As part of SAP Fiori development, we also implemented a system that enabled the customer to assess suppliers’ credibility based on weighted scores, including price, quantity, time, supply disruptions, and quality deviations. For more nuanced, in-depth evaluations, it employed questionnaires and inspection lots in supplier scoring. Furthermore, the app offered a timeline view of each supplier’s performance, enabling customer’s reps to track improvements or declines over time. As a result, the client could assess the effectiveness of any corrective actions taken and make strategic decisions regarding supplier relationships. We also facilitated direct engagement with suppliers through the app, incorporating features to send feedback or requests directly from the app.

Inventory overview

Through SAP’s real-time data processing capabilities, the app provided up-to-the-minute information on inventory levels, significantly enhancing the ability to manage stock efficiently. The Fiori-based analytical application allowed for in-depth analysis and transactional processing for each KPI, equipping users with the tools to address stock levels, warehouse throughput, and goods-receipt blocked stock queries. Each KPI tile offered drill-down capabilities that allowed customer’s reps to delve into detailed data and analyses for specific inventory items or categories. This feature is handy for identifying the root causes of inventory issues, such as supply chain bottlenecks or demand fluctuation patterns.

Technologies

Front-end

SAPUI5 JavaScript, JQuery, Node.js, OData

Back-end

ABAP, SAP CDS, SAP BOPF, OData Services, REST

SAP ecosystem

SAP ERP, SAP S/4HANA, SAP Fiori, SAPUI5

Process

Throughout the project pipeline, our team adhered to Scrum methodology, with bi-weekly sprints and regular health checks to ensure the project remained on track. We began with identifying the client’s goals and pain points through workshops and stakeholder interviews. This helped us understand the operational inefficiencies and the scope for enhancement before the SAP Fiori app development.

Following the collection of detailed requirements, our business analysts mapped out the Vision and Scope document, which detailed the project objectives, expected outcomes, and outlined the roadmap for the development process.

Based on the requirements gathered, we created wireframes and prototypes for each application. This visual representation allowed the client to get a tangible feel of the SAP-based web apps and provide feedback early in the process.

SAP Fiori custom app development was organized into sprints, each focusing on a specific set of features. We help regular sprint planning sessions to assign tasks and set goals for each sprint. Our full-stack development team worked on coding the front-end and back-end components of the applications, adhering to the designs and requirements specified.

We provided comprehensive training to the client’s team, ensuring they were fully equipped to use and manage the new applications. Ongoing support was also rendered to address any post-deployment issues. Currently, the project is in the active phase, with Innowise’s team rendering maintenance services, fixing minor bugs and releasing regular updates.

Team

Business Analyst

Scrum Master

Architect Developer

Senior SAP ABAP Developers

Senior SAP Full-Stack Developers

Results

2.3 times less risk of supply disruptions after SAP Fiori development

Innowise developed a system of interconnected SAP Fiori applications to manage enterprise resource planning. Within the SAP Fiori launchpad, our project team forged a group of digital solutions to augment and expand the capabilities of materials & enterprise asset management.

In particular, the deployment of the procurement management app resulted in considerable improvement in operational efficiency within the purchasing department. It enabled the customer to identify and resolve expired contracts and overdue orders more quickly, reducing procurement cycle times.

The supplier evaluation app enabled the client to monitor vendors’ performance continuously, improving supply chain reliability and ensuring contractual compliance.

Ultimately, the inventory application provided granular insights into inventory management challenges. This level of detail allowed the client to pinpoint inefficiencies, implement corrective actions promptly, and mitigate the risks of stockouts.

Project duration

November 2023 - Ongoing

21%

more accurate procurement

2.3

times less risk of supply disruptions

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